Talent agencies find both on-screen and behind-the-scenes talent.
A talent agency finds and supplies professionals, such as actors, musicians and models for projects in the entertainment industry, including television shows, films, theatrical productions, advertising campaigns and photographic assignments. Agencies work with the talent they have registered on their books to build their careers and recommend them for the projects of television channels, production companies, casting directors, advertising agencies and photographers. Supplying talent is a highly competitive business, and building a strong and reliable reputation is essential. Most of Hollywood's elite actors are signed to one of just five of the many hundreds of talent agencies in the business.
Instructions
1. Locate your business in an area where the demand for talent is highest, such as Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Your talent must be able to get to auditions and casting calls quickly and easily.
2. Obtain the appropriate license from the labor commissioner in your state. For example, in California, talent agencies must be licensed. Also, according to Entertainment Careers website, regulations include background checks, inspection of offices, maintaining records, a trust account, a surety bond and the submission of commission rates and contracts for approval by the labor commissioner.
3. Join the Association of Talent Agents, the nonprofit trade association that regulates the industry, represents agents, advocates for agents and negotiates with unions such as the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
4. Research commission rates among your competitors. Try to offer a better rate, while ensuring that you can provide the same or a better level of services.
5. Identify a niche in the market that is under served, that you can provide services for. Consider offering trainings and classes that would be useful to potential and existing clients.
6. Advertise your services to potential clients in trade publications such as "Variety" and "Hollywood Reporter."
7. Contact casting directors at television studios, production companies and advertising agencies to market your services.
8. Stay up-to-date with industry news and potential production projects, and make sure you get on the casting call lists with production companies, studios and theaters.
9. Volunteer your services to independent production projects. You will need to build a reputation to be taken seriously, and you should start by getting as much experience as possible, which will mean volunteering your services.
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